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   Recently I had the rare privilege of meeting a true living legend. The #1 sold out rock and roll tour in the world made it's stop here in Las Vegas. A fellow off roader, hunter and political activist, Ted Nugent was gracious enough to grant ORC an audience backstage at Mandalay Bay for an interview and a couple cold ones of Michigan's finest brew, Verner's Ginger Ale...

   Ted's quite a guy, and has a presence that is as charismatic off stage as well as on. Tall, slender and possessing a vibrant energy, his appearance belies that of what you would expect from one of the greatest rock legends that has ever lived. No enterage, no limos, no B.S. Ted greeted us wearing a tropical shirt, shorts, Hush Puppies and a tattered old ball cap. With a big smile, firm handshake and that look you straight in the eye, take no prisoners, glad to meet you kinda welcome, Eddie and I felt right at home. Ted introduced us to his lovely wife Shemane and his "Right-Hand" Linda Peterson. We popped a couple cold Verner's and got a chance to get to know each other.

   When you get a bunch of crusty old gearheads together though, it sure don't take long for the topic of conversation to turn to what we all love...

Mr Dune: Ted, what is your most memorable and insane off roading anecdote?

Nuge: In '73 I decided to escape the rock-n-roll road for a long overdue Rocky Mt. mule deer bow hunt, so I loaded up my '72 Bronco with all my wilderness survival gear and headed out singing John Denver's song. Deep within the wilds of the Uncompadre National Forest of western Colorado, I found myself in my first mountain adventure, and proceeded to test my truck and myself by hitting the most inhospitable uncharted hellzones I could find.

   There was plenty of axle twisting, U-joint grinding lo-loc rock crunching going on and it is amazing I didn't break down. I had a stock suspension except for four HD bilstein replacement shocks  and stock tires. I did have posi in the rear and a Warn winch up front, but the little 3 speed manual on the 302 was doing battle the entire time. I ascended quite a peak where I had a mountaintop lunch amongst the most spectacular blue sky and scattered clouds in the most exhilarating setting a white guitarboy could possibly have imagined, taking it all in for all the glory The Creator could have provided.

   Upon readying myself to head out for new hunting grounds, I discovered the column 3 speed manual shifter wouldn't shift. Now I admit this anti-mechanical guitarboy is lost with any tool that doesn't include projectiles except for large hammers, so I was really temporarily stunned so far from civilization. However, with a common sense exploratory maneuver under the hood, I discovered the snap ring to the linkage had popped out and I merely jury rigged a makeshift connector from parts in my toolbox and drove on, eventually arrowing my 1st ever muley. That combined with the many times I buried my trucks in Michigan snow covered black muck with my kids and walking long distances to call a 4X4 retriever are only some of the powerful off road memories I wallow in daily. And I'm still creating them at a pretty good clip.

Mr Dune: We all know they do, but Ted why do you feel that liberals suck?

Nuge: Liberals suck because their crybaby excuse making mind set interferes with thinking man's vision of self sufficiency

Mr Dune: That leads me to my next question... You were banned from playing Houston on this tour for saying onstage that English should be the primary language spoken in America.  And if you won't try to speak it, get out! Why do you think Liberals got their panties in such a wad over this statement?

Nuge: Because they know that the American Dream is unattainable without basic communication skills and my stating so interferes with their agenda of cultivating dependency.

Mr Dune: What in in your mind was the defining moment which sent America careening off course into this government dependent and " Politically Correct Nazi Wunderland?"

Nuge: When the Beatniks bred with hippies and created a core undersociety of stoned illogical droids that have become political policy makers and we are all paying for this with our raped tax dollars. And the Grateful Dead wrote the soundtrack.

Mr Dune: How can we get these Dead Headed liberal morons back on track?

Nuge: WE THE PEOPLE with jobs have got to get active square in the face of our elected officials so that our good hearts & souls are represented accurately. ACTIVISM everyday.

Mr Dune: Good hearts and souls brings me to another topic... You've been clean and sober for 52 years, as well as a successful father and husband despite the stresses and temptations of life on the road. How the the hell did you manage that feat in the world of Bad Boy Rock, Roll, Rythym and Blues?

Nuge: The connection I celebrate nightly in concert & daily on the not-so-mean streets of this Great Country is a direct result of my fire breathing passionate music that comes from my demand to be defiant against the trendgeeks of the average rock-n-roll industry punks. I take my defiance very seriously while at the same time having more fun than a white guitarboy has the right to.

Mr Dune: Speaking of fun, rumor has it that you are joining the ranks of Off-Road.com as a featured columnist... How do you feel about being associated with such a motley group of crusty old desert rats?

Nuge: Anyone who celebrates the Great Spirit of the Wild beyond the pavement and defies political correctness for all the brain dead idiocy that it is deserves my ass around their campfire. Like I always say, "Sure kids, those ARE flames flyin' outta my butt. But don't be ascared, just shut the F%$& up & grab the damn marshmallows."

Mr Dune: And do we have a campfire for you Ted! ORC is the largest Off Road publication in the world, now that you're part of it Ted, how to do you intend on reaching out to it's million plus readers and harnessing the free speech powers of the web?

Nuge: As I have done for 12 years with my TED NUGENT UNITED SPORTSMEN OF AMERICA, I hope to connect with the Off-Road.com tribe to create a spirit of take-no-more-crap UPGRADE! We of the off road family must be more politically active if we are to expand a public awareness of nature's healing powers & ultimately an upgrade of American quality of life.

Mr Dune: It's been about that long since you were strapped into a high speed off road racing seat... Do you miss it?

Nuge: I race off road rent-a-cars all the time. And I've never lost!

Mr Dune:  Ssssshhh! We've been known to play a little high speed tag with rental cars around here ourselves, but it always gets us into trouble! Next time you're here in Las Vegas I look forward to hitting one of those exotic rent a car joints and going racing with ya... Do you think you still have what it takes to haul ass at 52?

Nuge: Based on video of last nights concert, eat my vapor trail & call me in the morning.

Mr Dune: Well in about 20 minutes I'll get to see you go ballistic here at the Mandalay Bay first hand, since I've got your private number, expect a call... Do you have any plans of returning to off road racing in the future?

Nuge: I absolutely cherish the mind shattering bone marrow liquidizing experiences of Barstow, Parker, The Mint, Riverside, the LA Coliseum, Colorado Nationals & other duststormtrooping horsepower celebrations during every minute of every one of those exhilarating accelerating races I was so lucky to have been a part of, especially the privilege of being tutored by the masters like Bill Stroppe, Mickey Thompson, Parneli Jones, Ivan Stewart, Rick & Roger Mears, Tracy Vilenta & so many others, but like then, I currently have my priorities perfected & my family, guiding & outfitting safaris, my writings & the greaziest rock-n-roll of life have my cup running well over, & I'm loving every damn minute of it all, so it is unlikely I will officially race again.

Mr Dune: Besides your extensive off road experience, your well known prowess as a hunter get's you a lot of heat from fanatical organizations like HandGun Control Inc, PETA and The ALF. The NRA has been more than effective in neutralizing their efforts in the legislature. Why do you think off road and outdoor enthusiasts have been so ineffective in curbing the political power of the Sierra Club etc. in regards to land closures and in particular the "Roadless Initiative?"

Nuge: As much as I love my fellow off road dogs, the apathy AND their tendency to hide away behind the beer & isolation is at the heart of what has allowed our enemies to rip our individualism and freedom from our very hands. I am a member of every damn fighting organization out there. Janet Reno ain't the curse of America, spoiled do nuthin, take it in the ass apathy clowns are.

Mr Dune: Off roaders are as strong in numbers as the NRA, how do you think we could better organize to protect our rights?

Nuge: Join TNUSA & we can galvanize like minded warriors to learn to fight as a tribe.

Mr Dune: Speaking of fighting as a tribe, the most important battle we've faced is upon us in November... When Americans enter the voting booth in November why should they pull the lever that opens the gallows door on Algore instead of the one that gives him a vote?

Nuge: Algore clearly represents the death of working America's paycheck, George W. Bush ain't exactly perfect but he's so much advanced for what we believe in than AlGore its ridiculous

Mr Dune: Much like the Commie Hunts of the McCarthy Hearings in the 50's, modern day celebrities and public figures are terrified to speak there conscience against The Clinton Administration and the Liberal Intelligencia. How is it your balls are so big you aren't afraid to be as outspoken as you are?

Nuge: I am a freedom junkie, self evident truth driven SWAT Navy Seal Warrior sonofabitch that refuses to compromise my God given rights or allow commies to get near my soul. Don't Tread on Me was originally Don't TED on Me!! Unlike the trendy flavor of the hour whores of the industry, those spineless wimps cannot fire me or stop me, there are too many real American ShitKickers standing with me.

Mr Dune: Ted, you're in the midst of some of your closest friends, remembering that we can't print the "F" word what do you REALLY think of Clinton?

Nuge: Bill Clinton & his Clintonista ass kissers are Constitutional Whores, one and all. The devil is in Washington & we damn well better give him a steeltoed boot NOW!

Mr Dune: We agree! Time to send Clinton and his little "mini me" clone Algore down the road! Speaking of road trips... You're on tour with KISS right now, is it true that Gene Simmons needs to hit the oxygen tank before he bags a groupie?

Nuge: KISS does all right! If you're gonna be THE obnoxious rock-n-roll fire breathing over the top cartoon band, be KISS!

Mr Dune: Hear, hear! Kiss does throw some flames of their own! But Ted, fess up, you play with a little fire onstage yourself. During your show you do a tribute to Fred Bear and shoot your guitar with a flaming arrow lit from a ceremonial bonfire in the front row. Which  brings me to the next question... Your prowess as an archer is world renowned. Why do do you prefer to hunt with bow and arrow rather than a B.F.G?

Nuge: I love to hunt with all legal weapons, but the bow & arrow is the ultimate because it demands an optimum level of awareness challenge as you attempt to penetrate the nearly impenetrable defense zone of prey animals. It is feverishly spiritual. The Mystical Flight of the Arrow can be your soul.

Mr Dune: We all know that off roading and hunting are activities that bond families together, what benefits has your involvement in outdoor recreation brought to yourself, your wife and your kids?

Nuge: My family has always celebrated the natural season of harvest together, and that always means some beyond the pavement exploratory adventure. An undeniable sense of individualism AND team spirit is paramount to a quality hunting camp setting. Cause and effect is inescapable & a powerful lesson is grand independence while assisting the ones you love. This discipline has made my children great people.

Mr Dune: Speaking of great people, the NRA has Charleton Heston to carry the mantle, unfortunately the off road and outdoor recreation community has no such figure head or spokesperson. Do you have any aspirations to assume such an important political role?

Nuge: Charlton Heston is my president and hero. I am certainly proud to serve my 2nd term on the Board of Directors of the great NRA, and will always try my best to respond to a calling to serve as best as I can.

Mr Dune: Ah! Now that sounds like you would be willing to carry the mantle for the off-road community! If you were to be elec-Ted "King of the Wildmen, Lord of All Things Outdoors." What would be your first royal decree?

Nuge: I would decree all wild ground in American not currently under private ownership to belong to WE THE PEOPLE and begin meaningful management thru practical utilization immediately. Then I would, as I plan on doin' anyway, galvanize all adventurers to become activists for our united causes.

Mr Dune: We lied there are really 23 questions. A couple days ago you used your powers as a Deputy Sheriff in Michigan to arrest an animal rights fanatic for making death threats against your family. What do think transpires in a fanatics mind that elevates the rights of a bush or insect over a human beings?

Nuge: LSD in massive doses.

Mr Dune: And last but certainly not least... Inquiring minds wanna know... Ted, have you ever been abducted by aliens, either illegal or extraterrestrial? And if so were you probed? Repea-Tedly?

Nuge: Once by a rabid pack of thin, firm, tall, naked cheerleaders in Des Moines, from an unknown galaxy, and I'd rather not go into detail, thank you.

Mr Dune: And Ted, for all that you've done to advance our sport, speak out against those that would oppress us and for providing us with some of the best guitar licks ever squeezed from a Fender... thank you. I'm going out front to watch your show!

Nuge: Get your ass out there! I've gotta hit  the shower and get ready to blow Las Vegas' mind!

   

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   I gotta say, Ted rocked! And he's better than ever! The first time I saw him play  was in the mid-seventies at Memorial Coliseum in Portland. Since then I've seen him play at least a dozen times or more. And it only gets better!

   Ted is still on the road until the end of September so be sure to check his website for a concert date near you!

Also be sure to check out Ted Nugent's new monthly
column "God, Guns and Rock'n'Roll" here at ORC:
Click Here!

For more about Ted Nugent:
Ted's Biography
Tour Dates
TN-USA

Email Ted!
NugentUSA@cs.com

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And click on Ted's new book "God, Guns & Rock 'N' Roll to find out how to get your copy!

For additional information:

NugentUSA@cs.com TNUSA 4133 West Michigan Avenue Jackson, MI 49202 517-750-3640 517-750-9060

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